Lexington, KY - In April, Business Lexington published an article on the challenges of individuals diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome entitled "The Flip Side of Asperger's." Reader response was strong and has continued through the summer. Comments have reflected concern for the quality of life of adults living with ASD and their families in Lexington and have also addressed the impact on local economic growth and development as families leave or decide not to move here in favor of cities with more comprehensive diagnostic and treatment programs. Here are a few of those comments, with the identities withheld as needed to protect the anonymity of those with ASD.
"As an extremely proud parent of two children blessed with this condition, I applaud your story as it focuses on the unique way that people with Asperger syndrome see the world. Congratulations on a well-written article that clearly shows how people with ASD benefit in the world in which we live!... I would love to be involved with some sort of pilot program integrating ASD teenagers into the work force, etc."
(father and CEO)
"Ö Autism in adulthood is a new realm of worry and need for public focus. Did you know that more than 80 percent of adults with autism between 18 and 30 still live at home and 81 percent are unemployed?"
(mother and advertising manager)
"Wow - as an educator, I think it's great that a mainstream business publication would include such a thoughtful article about adults with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). I'm anxious to learn more about the Specialisterne
model you noted. Good for you for getting this message out to your readers!"
(Lu Young, Superintendent of Jessamine County Schools)
Autistic spectrum disorder revisited
Autism and Asperger syndrome are labels emanating from the 1940s work of Drs. Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger. (Kanner established the first child psychiatric clinic at Johns Hopkins and is also well-known for his book, In Defense of Mothers.) Today, autistic spectrum disorder is an umbrella term that includes behaviors reflecting varying degrees of limitations in the "social brain."
The term "Asperger" has been used to describe individuals who are "higher-functioning," but the more general term ASD will be used throughout this article.
ASD is not a disease to fear, catch, ignore or romanticize.
Each individual living with ASD is unique and may have concomitant behavioral, developmental, and/or medical issues. There is no one-size-fits-all diagnosis.
Dr. Uta Firth, emeritus professor at the University of London and research foundation professor at the University of Aarhus (Denmark), has led much of modern day ASD research. Her work lends a common-sense approach to those of us attempting to understand the complex workings of social cognition and "theory of mind."
In very simple terms, the social brain works as a mirror, allowing us to understand the goals and intentions of others.
We become adept at predicting what others are going to do because we "know them." We react to their movements and language in ways that maintain or stop interaction. We teach, learn, tease, persuade, flirt, share confidences and express empathy with family, peers, clients and colleagues.
Deficiencies in the ASD social brain result in "mindblindness" or inability to "read" people and situations. This has implications for social and work relationships that must be addressed by a supportive community.
The same ability humans have to empathize with others allows us to engage in both simple and complex deceptions. The Bernie Madoffs of the world seem to have no trouble with theory of mind. On the other hand, people living with ASD are quite rule-bound and do have a very hard time with deception. Their comments are usually direct and to the point.
Taking it to the streets
As Richard Florida points out in the book Who's Your City, "The ability to meet people and make friends is one of the most important factors determining how happy we are with our communities." It is also indicative of "healthy living." The energy created by people who responded to concerns about their ASD neighbors is another indication of growing "health."
In June, many of those responding to the Business Lexington article on Asperger Syndrome
gathered with Bishop Stacy Sauls at the Episcopal Mission House to share experiences and bring to light the needs of ASD adults and their families. The hidden wealth of adults with ASD in our neighborhoods permeated the discussion. Meaningful employment, social experiences, education and independent living situations were all discussed. The group will gather again in late August.
Lexington's Health Economy and Life Sciences Institute has representatives of local business, government, and medical facilities. (HEALS) promotes Lexington as a healthy place to live and work. This type of community atmosphere supports economic development and stability. Dr. David Bensema of Central Baptist Hospital agreed to share concerns revealing the paucity of coordinated ASD diagnostic services and treatment in Lexington with members of HEALS at their June meeting.
Young and Matt Moore, special education coordinator, at Jessamine County Schools, shared information about their programs and about the Kentucky Youth One Year Out (YOYO) Former Student Survey Data collection. The staff at Employment Solutions also shared their insight about ASD students in their job training programs.
The need is here, and the energy is growing. The "health"
of a city is found in its soul.